X or M

[Baha]

Here is my two bits worth.

I got an an M because I liked the interior better. About as non technical a reason as you can get. Smaller cockpit, I don't care. Rounder bottom or flatter bottom, I don't care I saw the nicer, more attractive interior. Hey, I'm a designer

We were going to purchase an X in 2003, but the Admiral was diagnosed with breast cancer, so everything on hold. By the end of 2004 we were ready to proceed. They did not make X's anymore, so we saw an M at the boat show. As far as I was concerned, the interior of the M sold me over the X. We could have purchased a used X for less $ than the new M, but that interior sold me. We purchased a 2005 M right there, and have never looked back. We ( yes, the Admiral is a thirteen year survivor) love our Mac.

Here is my advice.

[1] Check out each in person.
[2] Make a decision Whatever it is that floats your boat, life is far too short and unpredictable to get hung up on little differences.
[3] Sail


Ray

~~~_/)~~~

This is GREAT advice, all the way round. I looked at both, did my research, and ended up with an partly because of the improved sail characteristics, and mostly because the boss liked the interior layout better. Also, decide if you want to purchase/replace electronics and other equipment or if you already want it all installed on the boat before you buy it. Mine came from the PO with almost everything set up the way I would want to...lucky, I guess.

[Sumner]

..... The 26X's swing-up centerboard also seems a more sensible feature over the 26M's daggerboard arrangement, given that I'll be chiefly tooling around in the thin waters of the often shallow Potomac, Chesapeake Bay and related rivers and estuaries. I imagine I'd prefer to hear the sound of that board just bumping up out of the way than digging in hard with maybe some shrill splintery-cracking noises. .....

The X's swing-up centerboard could be a big benefit to you if those lakes you are going to sail have large shallow areas or underwater obstructions like trees. I've been very glad that we bought a S with with the centerboard and not a dagger board a number of times. If you sail the ocean primarily or lakes that you are very familiar with then the dagger board could sure be a viable option,

Sumner

============================
1300 miles to the Bahamas and back -- 2015

The MacGregor 26-S

The Endeavour 37

Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Mac-Venture Links

[BOAT]

I agree - the X boat is a much better lake boat than the M boat. Clearly the M boat was designed for use in the ocean. It does not sound like he is close to the ocean or plans to go there much so he might want to skip the expense of getting an M boat.

[bobbob]

I chose an for all the reasons above. However, it certainly didn't hurt that the pricepoint was about $5k less than the 's that were for sale.

If pricing is a concern, I think its a no-brainer to go for the . If you are comfortable with the pricing of either model, my advice would probably be to look more at the condition of the boat, motor, and trailer, as well as any big ticket features that come with (such as autopilot). You will quickly convince yourself that the pros of which ever model you picked were the ones most important to you

Make sure the outboard that comes with it is at least 50HP (60HP desirable), and can turn a 14" prop (for example, Merc has a specific Bigfoot model to do this). That's critical.

[mjgill1]

MJ,

A Plan B, get a slip in or near Chicago and use your boat as your "vacation home".

You mean so it can be a write off?

[Tomfoolery]

MJ,

A Plan B, get a slip in or near Chicago and use your boat as your "vacation home".

You mean so it can be a write off?

Probably, if it has certain amenities. Like a permanent galley, and a head (a porta-pottie may qualify - ask your tax advisor). I has to be reasonably livable, or something like that. I used to use my Hunter as a vacation home for tax purposes (mortgage interest), though it had more stuff in it than my present Mac. Though the Mac may qualify. Again, ask your tax advisor.

[dlandersson]

An X (beds and a potty) qualifies

MJ,

A Plan B, get a slip in or near Chicago and use your boat as your "vacation home".

You mean so it can be a write off?

Probably, if it has certain amenities. Like a permanent galley, and a head (a porta-pottie may qualify - ask your tax advisor). I has to be reasonably livable, or something like that. I used to use my Hunter as a vacation home for tax purposes (mortgage interest), though it had more stuff in it than my present Mac. Though the Mac may qualify. Again, ask your tax advisor.

[BOAT]

If your state makes you pay property tax on boats then it's a real estate write off on the loan. I'm not really sure what else you would be writing off? Is there anything other than the interest on the loan?

[Ixneigh]

If you went into "business" as a sailing instructor you could likely write off every expense related to the boat

[C Buchs]

If your state makes you pay property tax on boats then it's a real estate write off on the loan. I'm not really sure what else you would be writing off? Is there anything other than the interest on the loan?

I wrote off the interest on mine. It wasn't much, but every little bit helps. I didn't think about writing off the slip fees. Has anyone looked into if we can?

Jeff

[BOAT]

You can't write off rent unless it's a charter boat.

[yukonbob]

I know a lot of guys here in Canada that write off just about everything on their boats as they use them for 'promotional sales' and take 'prospective clients' out regularly (i.e. their drinking buddies). I had given it thought, but the returns didn't outweigh the consequences should they decide to audit you for it and they will unless like Ix mentioned above, your business was completely boating related and even then they'd probably give you a good go over the first couple of years. I know CRA was trying to crack down on this sort of stuff; I image the IRS is as well.

[dlandersson]

Actually no. If you treat it as a hobby, you can write off your expenses against any income (have to make money at some point, there's a year formula). Groups like "Boatbound.com"

The problem with that if that I can't see myself letting someone else use my boat. And of course, you have to do your own research and check the applicable laws of your area.

You can't write off rent unless it's a charter boat.

[1st Sail]

MJ,
Welcome aboard! I have sailed the all of Iowa's 'Great Lakes'. For midwest sailing they are an excellent place to learn to sail. Rathbun has approx. 8 1/2 mi of open sailing, Red Rock approx 9-10mi dam to bridge +, Saylorville apporx 6mi dam to bridge +. If you catch Red Rock or Sailorville 3-6ft over pool you can still clear the bridges and add 1-2 mi of sailing.

If you travel I 80 to IL I'm located in Moline. You are always welcome to climb all over an M and go for a test sail.

FYI all three lakes have great depth for safe sailing so a swing keel is not a necessity.

I joined Boat US prior to purchasing my used M. They are absolutely one of the best marine insurance carriers and well priced. They also provide a buyers research service which includes market value research. Email them the make, model, yr, location zip, amenities and you will have a market value to use as a bench mark. Values are based on title research services. They also provide a fee based sale / closing service to handle title research and legal title transfer and payment.

I bought my '06 M used 2yrs. old with no legal issues however I did my due diligence on the title and title transfer.

One thing I learned about the Etec's and I presume applies to other mfg's is you can take the boat / motor to a dealer and plug the motor in to their diagnostics computer. I was amazed at the detailed information. Complete fault code listing (if any), engine hours, service intervals, best of all graphical analysis of total engine hours per 1k rpm band. My motor had 45 hrs and next to no high rpm use. Motor was essentially used for cruising at hull speed.

[Hamin' X]

!	Moderator Note:
	Folks, please consult a qualified CPA, or tax attorney about the deductibility of any boat purchase, or expense. The owner/administrator and moderators of this forum are not responsible for the results of taking tax advice from postings found here. ~Rich---Hamin' X~